August 9, 2012
First, this is a non-sailing adventure.
Since we returned to our home dock in Bradenton in early June, up until now, it has been nothing but work, work, work. First getting the boat ready for the summer, then getting our house ready to put on the market.
Well, we got a great offer on the house which we have accepted, with closing scheduled in early September! Sooo we decided to take some time off and head to Canada for a week or so.
We first went to Quebec City where the New France Festival was going on last weekend. Quebec is a destination that we have enjoyed many times before. The old part of the city is walled and dates back over 400 years. If you have ever wanted to go to France, in 6 hours (from Syracuse) and for a fraction of the cost, you can have a wonderful French experience in Quebec.
No it is NOT true that 'They all speak English, but they won't" I don't know how this 'urban legend' got started, but it is simply not true. Especially outside the larger cities the vast majority of people know little or no English. But they are very friendly and between our little French and their little English, you get by - although it is sometimes an adventure!
The New France Festival (http://www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca/en/ ) is an annual event that celebrates the arrival of the French in Quebec in 1608. There are parades, many people in period costumes (some 'actors', but many 'real' people just 'dress up' to attend), food, and great music. A little French helps, but you will enjoy it without any.
The following video gives a feel for the festival http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FwkmJEbOmkM
We then traveled to St-Faustin-Lac-Carre, a little rural town in Quebec near Mont Termblant. When I (Tom) made the reservation at the small B&B (http://www.gitedelagare.com/index-en.html) that we stayed at, I realized our hosts spoke minimal English, so I was a little worried that the arrangements were made properly. But it was a cute little place and our hosts were expecting us as planned.
After arrival we had a great conversation with two (English speaking) guests from Montreal. Topics were wide-ranging including their upcoming provincial election. I don't know if it happens every election, but this year there is quite a bit of discussion among the candidates about Quebec independence from Canada. It is a complex issue and I personally don't think it will ever happen, but over the years I have come to better understand some of the French-Canadian's frustrations with Anglo-centric Canada - but that is a whole other discussion!
We then traveled to Kingston, Ontario for our last few nights in Canada. The highlight of trip there, was lunch at Chez Piggy (http://www.chezpiggy.com/ ). The best item on the menu is an appetizer called Gambas al Ajillo. It is shrimp baked in a cast iron pan with oil, garlic (lots), and some pepper. We ordered it with extra (great French) bread and our server said "You have been here before haven't you?" Yes, Yes we have. You use the bread to soak up the oil and garlic and it is a meal. Just don't plan any social engagements afterwards, until you can thoroughly brush your teeth :-)
Tom & Joyce
Fayetteville, NY
